SmartPak strongly encourages you to consult your veterinarian regarding specific questions about your horse's health. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, and is purely educational.

Brief Description

Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), commonly referred to as “heaves”, is defined as episodes of obstructive lower airway disease in horses, triggered by exposure to hay and bedding. Signs include:

Supplements that May Lend Support

There is good evidence that some herbal supplements are beneficial to horses with “heaves”. Because the condition often occurs in older horses and places them under additional oxidative stress, antioxidants are recommended. Vitamin C in particular is being investigated for its role in neutralizing the free radicals associated with “heaves”.

Possible Diagnostic Tests

“Heaves” can usually be diagnosed based on the horse’s medical history and a physical examination. However, additional tests to rule out other conditions or monitor the horse’s response to treatment may be needed. These include:

Bloodwork

Endoscopy

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)

Blood gas measurement

Chest x-rays

Lung biopsy

Lung function tests

Prescription Medications Available

Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone are used to reduce airway inflammation, while bronchodilators such as Ventipulmin® (clenbuterol) are used to relieve airway obstruction.

Other Management Suggestions

Diet

Dust in hay is one of the worst offenders to a horse with “heaves”, so replacing hay with another fiber source such as a complete feed is often recommended. Soaked hay or hay cubes are other alternatives.

Housing

For horses with “heaves” that live inside, good ventilation is imperative, especially in the winter when most barns are closed up. If they must be stalled, dust-free bedding should be used - straw is a particularly poor type of bedding for these horses. Ideally, horses with “heaves” should be turned out as much as possible. Horses with “heaves” may be exercised, but only as much as their condition allows.

Brittany and NateEver since I was the girl with 1,000 breyer horses and the raggity braid in her hair, I was always obsessed. In second grade I moved into a town with a barn right down the street, which is when I started taking lessons...

In Loving MemoryYou were a loving and patient partner. From our early days learning dressage together, to your "retirement" years of tearing around the field and stirring up all the youngsters, you always brought your kindness, your heart, and your spirit. Thank you for everything, Wes. You are missed.